Rick van Beek of Byron Center, Michigan, used to be an ordinary guy who wasn’t much of an athlete. However, in the past few years he quit smoking and chewing tobacco and started running. He has participated in lots of races since then, but there is one thing that ultimately distinguishes him among other runners…

Erica and Matt Hogan from Colorado were searching for a property in Costa Rica when they found a slice of land being sold for deforestation. The couple purchased it, but instead of cutting down trees they started an amazing project.

Banyan Tree Madivaru is an amazing tropical paradise. Six tented villas on a private island with white sandy beach and a crystal-clear lagoon offer a holiday of a lifetime. The island can be booked exclusively for only 2 persons or to a party of up to 18 persons. The resort has a spa center, an all-day dining restaurant and lounge. The regular excursion here include sunset cruises, fishing, dolphin safari and manta rays sighting cruises. The prices start from $3,680 per night.